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Universal Studios Hollywood not only entertains visitors, but gives them an opportunity to see real back lots, sound stages and sets of films. It mixes elements of a modern amusement park with actual Hollywood history, making it an experience unlike any other. For those who may stay near Universal Studios, but want to see a little more of what Hollywood and Los Angeles have to offer, opportunities abound. Fortunately, Universal Studios is central to many of the city's highlights.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard is as touristy as it is fun. Several blocks of sidewalk extending to both sides of the Hollywood and Vine intersection are covered with stars containing names of celebrities and the media for which they are famous. Walk along the street and find names as old as Stan Hardy and contemporary stars like Justin Timberlake. The star-studded sidewalks lead to Grauman's Chinese Theater, which features a courtyard filled with blocks of celebrity signatures, hand prints and footprints. Visitors can enjoy seeing both the size of Roy Rogers' hands and Trigger's hooves at no cost. Hollywood Boulevard also features souvenir shopping, tattoo parlors, a variety of restaurants, several museums and some of Hollywood's great theaters including the Schubert, Dolby and El Capitan.

Hollywood Bowl

Not only is it one of the world's great outdoor concert venues, but the Hollywood Bowl offers visitors beautiful walking trails, picnic grounds and hosts community events. If you can't get tickets to see anything playing, a walk into the sylvan setting of the Hollywood Bowl Park is a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Guided tours offer the opportunity to learn about the Bowl, music, its history and the history of Hollywood. In addition, if looking to save money, the rehearsals are free and open to visitors.

Griffith Park

Use the Hollywood Freeway or Cahuenga Boulevard to drop down the hill from Universal City into Burbank, where Griffith Park awaits. Griffith Park is the largest park within a city in the world. It offers activities as diverse as horseback riding, golf and hiking as well as attractions that include the Los Angeles Zoo, Travel Town Train Museum, The Gene Autrey Western Heritage Museum and the Griffith Observatory. Although the observatory is no longer used by modern astronomers, it still offers spectacular views of Los Angeles and allows visitors to tour its facilities.

Burbank, California

People flocking to see Los Angeles' entertainment industry usually associate Hollywood as the film and television capital. However, Burbank is home to Walt Disney Studios, Warner Brothers, NBC and ABC. The studios all offer tours and NBC gives free tickets to television shows it's filming. Downtown Burbank has undergone renovations and now has shops and restaurants lining several blocks of an outdoor mall. Downtown presents modern conveniences and shopping in a setting reminiscent of 1950s Burbank.

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About the Author

Eric Feigenbaum started his career in print journalism, becoming editor-in-chief of "The Daily" of the University of Washington during college and afterward working at two major newspapers. He later did many print and Web projects including re-brandings for major companies and catalog production.

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